Security packaging with post recycled content

ABSTRACT

A packaging box including a lacquer layer applied in a band proximate an outer edge of the upper and side walls of the box. The box is manufactured from a high post recycled content material and the lacquer layer helps packaging tape to adhere to the box and seal the same. Security indicators are applied to one of the lacquer layer and packaging tape to identify whether or not the box has previously been opened by an unauthorized person. The security indicators are applied to the one of the lacquer layer and packaging tape in combination with a layer of release agent so that the security identifier can be revealed when the box has been opened.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to packaging materials. More particularly, the invention relates to a packaging box. Specifically, the invention relates to a packaging box which is manufactured using a high content of post recycled materials, which includes a finish that enables packaging tape to adhere more easily thereto and which preferably includes security indicators to show if the package has been previously opened.

2. Background Information

Every year millions of parcels and packages are transported around the world both by regular postal authorities, by mailing companies and couriers. Companies that regularly ship goods in this manner can spend a lot of money on the packaging boxes themselves. There has therefore been a move in the industry to use boxes which include a higher post recycled material content in order to lower the costs involved. Such boxes are suitable for shipping products but they do, however, have a disadvantage in relation to boxes produced with little or no post recycled content materials. Corrugated cardboard produced with post recycled material tends to have a greater number of fibers that project outwardly from its surfaces. These fibers can interfere with packaging tape sticking effectively to the outer surface of the box. This can cause two problems. Firstly, the package may pop open during shipping because the tape has disengaged from the cardboard. Secondly, the tape can be easily removed and replaced by unauthorized persons without the recipient of the package ever becoming aware of this tampering until the goods inside the box are examined.

There is therefore a need in the art for high post recycled content packaging boxes to which packaging tape may more easily and firmly adhere. There is a further need in the art for a packaging box which can be more easily identified as having been opened by an unauthorized person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention comprises a cardboard packaging box to which a band of lacquer has been applied in those areas of the box that would typically receive packaging tape thereon. The box is manufactured from a high post recycled content material. The lacquer band provides a suitable surface to which packaging tape will more easily adhere. Security indicators can be applied to either the lacquer layer of the box or the packaging tape to indicate to a recipient that the box has been previously opened. A layer of release agent is applied either directly to the box, or above the lacquer layer so that when packaging tape is pulled off the box, the security indicators are revealed. The lacquer layer and/or the security indicators preferably are colored to draw the recipient's attention thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a packaging box in accordance with the present invention and showing the applied lacquer layer;

FIG. 2 is cross-sectional front view through line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the packaging box with packaging tape applied over the lacquer layer and sealing the box;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view through line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the packaging box of FIG. 1 used in conjunction with a security packaging tape;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view through line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a packaging box which has been tampered with showing the appearance of damaged security indicators on the lacquer band;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of packaging box in accordance with the present invention and showing a plurality of security indicators deposited on the lacquer layer;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view through line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the packaging box of FIG. 8 with packaging tape applied over the lacquer layer;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the packaging box with the packaging tape partially removed therefrom and showing the security indicators being transferred to the underside of the packaging tape;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional front view through line 12-12 of FIG. 11 showing the packaging tape partially removed from the box and showing the security indicators transferred to the packaging tape;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the packaging box that has been tampered with and showing the damaged security indicators;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of packaging box showing the lacquer layer and layer of release agent areas in phantom;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional front view through line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the packaging box of FIG. 14 showing packaging tape being removed therefrom;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional front view through line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fourth-embodiment of packaging box in accordance with the present invention and showing the laquer layer with areas where a release agent has not been applied shown in phantom;

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional front view through line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the packaging box of FIG. 18 having packaging tape removed therefrom; and

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the packaging box through line 21-21 of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a first embodiment of a packaging box in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at 10. Box 10 is made from a corrugated cardboard and preferably from a cardboard which has a high post recycled material content. Box 10 includes a bottom wall (not shown); peripheral side walls 18 extending outwardly away from the bottom wall and a pair of upper flaps 16 that can be rotated between an open and closed position. The bottom wall, side walls 18 and flaps 16 form an interior cavity into which articles to be shipped can be placed.

In accordance with one of the specific features of the present invention, a lacquer layer 12 is applied to those areas of box 10 onto which packaging tape 14 will later be applied. These areas include an area proximate the sides 16 a and edges 16 b of flaps 16 and the upper edges 18 a of the sides 18 of box 10. Lacquer layer 12 comprises any type of lacquer that will allow packaging tape 14 to adhere thereto. Lacquer layer 12 preferably is applied in a band that is between ½ inch and 2 inches wide. The width of the band allows for the application of a variety of widths of tape 14. Lacquer layer 12 preferably is sufficiently wide enough to prevent tape 14 from coming into direct contact with the outer surface of box 10. This prevents any upstanding fibers from the post recycled materials from interfering with the adhesion of tape 14. Lacquer layer 12 enables packaging tape 14 to more easily adhere to the outer surface of box 10 and to therefore seal the same. Lacquer layer 12 may be colored so that the user can more easily see where the tape 14 should be applied.

The packaging tape 14 has an upper surface 14 a, a lower surface 14 b and side edges 14 c. Lower surface 14 b includes an adhesive layer that bonds tape 14 to lacquer layer 12. Tape 14 is applied so that it covers an area of the flaps 16 proximate the edges 16 b, 16 b and seals the box 10. Similarly, tape 14 may be partially applied to an area of the sides 18 of the box 10 proximate the upper edge 18 a thereof and partially applied to an area proximate the sides 16 a of box 10.

The present invention is used in the following manner. A lacquer layer 12 is applied to the above-identified areas of box 10 by way of a spray or roller applicator. Lacquer layer 12 is allowed to dry.

When the lacquered box 10 is purchased by the user, the user places the items to be shipped into the interior cavity (not shown) of box 10. Flaps 16 are rotated from an open position to a closed position where access to the interior cavity is prevented (FIG. 1). In this closed position, edges 16 b of flaps 16 lie in close proximity to each other. Tape 14 is applied over lacquer layer 12 in any desired configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 2. Tape 14 preferably is applied so that, side edges 14 c of tape 14 lie inwardly of edges 12 a of lacquer layer 12. This prevents direct contact between lower surface 14 b of tape 14 and un-lacquered areas of box 10. When box 10 is sealed, it can be shipped to its destination. Upon arrival of box 10 at its destination, tape 14 is simply pulled off lacquer layer 12 and the contents of box 10 can be accessed.

As is shown in FIGS. 5-7, box 10 may alternatively be sealed with a packaging tape 114 that includes a plurality of security indicators 120 thereon. In this instance, all the features of box 110 are substantially the same as those of box 10, including the provision of a lacquer layer 112 applied in a band proximate the sides and edges of flaps 116 and sides 118. Lower surface 114 b of tape 114 includes a plurality of areas positioned at spaced intervals along the length of tape 114. These areas are coated with a release agent (not shown). A security indicator 120 is imprinted onto each area coated in release agent in one of an ink and paint. The ink or paint preferably is of a bright, eye-catching color such a fire-engine red, bright yellow or hot pink. Lower surface 14 b of tape 114, including security indicators 120, is then coated with an adhesive layer (not shown). Security indicators 120 may include words like “OPENED” which may be colored for impact, or colored bars or any other shaped and colored identifiers that could indicate to the recipient that the box 110 has been tampered with. If box 110 is opened by an unauthorized user and then resealed, portions of indicators 120 that have been deposited onto lacquer layer 112 may be removed by the adhesive on packaging tape 114. When box 110 reaches its destination and is opened, those parts of indicators 120 which were removed from lacquer layer 112 show up on lower surface 114 b of tape 114 as partial indicators 152. The presence of these partial indicators 152 show the recipient that box 110 was previously opened. Furthermore, the security indicators 120 on box 110 have portions that are missing—so, for instance in the case of indicators 120 being words, some of the letters of the words are missing on lacquer layer 112 and those missing letters appear on tape 114 as indicators 152.

Referring to FIGS. 8-13 there is shown a second embodiment of packaging box in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at 210. As before, box 210 includes a lacquer layer 212 disposed in bands proximate the edges of flaps 216 and sides 218 of box 210. In accordance with one of the specific features of this embodiment, a plurality of security indicators 220 is formed at spaced intervals along the bands of lacquer layer 212. Each security indicator 220 includes a layer of release agent 240 and a colored indicator layer 242 (FIG. 9). Layer of release agent 240 is deposited directly onto lacquer layer 212 and indicator layer 242 is deposited directly over layer of release agent 240. Indicator layer 242 comprises an ink or paint, preferably of a bright eye-catching color, such as fire-engine red, bright yellow or hot pink. As can be seen in FIG. 8, security indicators 220 are formed on lacquer layer 212 in a distinct pattern and preferably cover the entire length and width of the band of lacquer. Any suitable pattern of indicators can be used without departing from the sprit of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, box 210 is used in the following manner. Packaging tape 214 is placed over lacquer layer 212 to seal the edges of flaps 216 and sides 218. Side edges 214 b of tape 214 lie inwardly of the side edges 212 b of lacquer layer 212. The adhesive on lower surface 214 b of tape 214 adheres to both the indicator layer 242 of all security indicators 220 disposed beneath tape 214 and to those regions of lacquer layer 212 interposed between security indicators 220. When tape 214 is pulled away from box 210, indicator layers 242 of those security indicators 220 disposed beneath tape 214 are pulled off box 210. This is the result of the presence of the layer of release agent 240 disposed between the indicator layer 242 and lacquer layer 212. The removed indicator layers 242 a remain stuck to the lower surface 214 b of tape 214 as is shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the removal of indicator layers 242 a from box 210 forms a band 244 on lacquer layer 212 in which there aren't any security indicators. Band 244 is of the same width as packaging tape 214. If the box 210 has not been previously opened, it will be immediately obvious to the recipient because there will be a uniform pattern of indicator layers 242 a transferred onto the lower surface 214 b of tape 214. Furthermore, there will be a band 244 formed in the interior of lacquer layer 212 where security indicators 220 have been removed. If box 210 has been tampered with, the pattern of paint layers 242 a on lower surface 214 b and the pattern of security indicators 220 will be disturbed. It is unlikely that any removed tape 214 could be replaced in exactly the correct position over the lacquer layer 212. Misaligning the tape 214 would likely lead to the removal of additional indicator layers 242 from lacquer layer 212 and would break the pattern formed by security indicators on both the box 210 and on the lower surface 214 b of tape 214. Furthermore, misaligned tape could also lead to the redeposit of some of the paint layers 242 a onto the lacquer layer 212 in any area where remnants of the adhesive from tape 214 have remained on lacquer layer 212. FIG. 13 is an illustration of a box 210 which may be have been tampered with, showing a break in the pattern on both the lacquer layer 212 and on the tape 214. It will be understood that while the security indicators 220 in FIGS. 8-13 have been shown as dots, they can be formed in any other shapes or may be in the form of words or any other suitable identifiers.

Referring to FIGS. 14-17 there is shown a third embodiment of packaging box in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at 310. In box 310, a plurality of security indicators 320 are printed directly onto the outer surface of box 310 in an area proximate the edges of flaps 316 and sides 318. A small area covering and surrounding each security indicator 320 has a layer of release agent 340 applied directly thereover. A colored lacquer layer 312 is then applied in a band proximate the edges of flaps 316 and sides 318 of box 310 and covering the areas with a layer of release agent 340 applied thereto. The lacquer layer 312 makes it impossible to see security indicators 320.

In use, packaging tape 314 is used to close and secure flaps 316 together and to secure flaps 316 to sides 318. When packaging tape 314 is removed at the box's destination, the layer of release agent 340 and small areas 312 a of lacquer layer 312 break free from the band of lacquer and remain adhered to tape 314. The removal of layer of release agent 340 and areas 312 a makes security indicators 320 visible. If an authorized user attempts to reseal box 310, either with the original packaging tape 314, or with other tape, that tape will adhere to the outer surface of box 310 and when the tape is later removed, the security indicators 320 and the outer surface of the box will be damaged. This will show the recipient of the packaging box 310 that the box has been tampered with.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21, there is shown a fourth embodiment of packaging box in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at 410. A layer of release agent 440 is applied in a band to the outer surface of box 410. A plurality of areas 442 are interspersed at spaced intervals throughout the band of layer of release agent 440 where no release agent is applied. A colored lacquer layer 412 is applied in a band over the layer of release agent 440 and areas 442. This means that in areas 442, the lacquer is applied directly to the outer surface of box 410 as can be seen in FIG. 19. When packaging tape 414 is removed from box 410, tape 414 pulls the lacquer layer 412 off box 410 everywhere except in those areas 442 where no release agent 440 was applied. The remnants of the lacquer layer form small colored dots 412 a all over those portions of box 410 where no release agent was applied. The inner surface 414 a of packaging tape is covered with lacquer layer 412 but includes a plurality of holes 446 therein where the lacquer remained on box 410 as dots 412 a.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the lacquer layer has been disclosed as being applied to a cardboard box manufactured from high post recycled content, the lacquer layer may be applied to cardboard boxes that have little or no post recycled material content without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, while the box illustrated in the attached drawings has been shown as having two rotatable flaps, any other style of cardboard box can have a lacquer layer applied thereto in a position where packaging tape could be applied to seal the box. People skilled in the art will also appreciate that the security indicators can be applied anywhere along the width and length of the lacquer layer and/or packaging tape and that the identifiers may be applied in discrete bands or may be spread along the entire width and length of the two components.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 

1. A packaging box for transporting products, said box comprising: a cardboard box formed from post recycled materials; said box having at least two walls with outer edges which abut each other, wherein at least one of the walls is movable to obtain access to an interior cavity within the box; and wherein each wall has an outer surface; a lacquer layer applied to a portion of the outer surface of each wall proximate the outer edge thereof
 2. The packaging box as defined in claim 2, wherein the lacquer layer is applied to the outer surface in a band that is between ½ inch and 2 inches wide.
 3. The packaging box as defined in claim 2, wherein the lacquer layer is colored.
 4. The packaging box as defined in claim 2, further comprising a layer of release agent applied to the box at one of below and above the lacquer layer.
 5. The packaging box as defined in claim 4, wherein the layer of release agent is applied at a plurality of spaced apart discrete areas.
 6. The packaging box as defined in claim 5, wherein the discrete areas of the layer of release agent are arranged in a pattern.
 7. The packaging box as defined in claim 6, further comprising a plurality of security indicators applied to the box proximate the outer edges of the walls.
 8. The packaging box as defined in claim 7, wherein the security indicators are applied directly to the outer surface of one of the walls of the box.
 9. The packaging box as defined in claim 8, wherein the security indicators are applied over the lacquer layer on the box.
 10. The packaging box as defined in claim 8, wherein the security indicators are applied over the layer of release agent on the box.
 11. The packaging box as defined in claim 10, wherein the lacquer layer is colored.
 12. The packaging box as defined in claim 11, wherein the security indicators are colored.
 13. The packaging box as defined in claim 11, wherein the security indicator is formed as one of a word and a shape.
 14. In combination: a post recycled content cardboard box having at least one wall that is moveable over an interior cavity; a lacquer layer applied proximate an outer edge of the at least one wall; a packaging tape applied over the lacquer layer to prevent movement of the one wall to seal the box and prevent access to the interior cavity.
 15. The combination as defined in claim 14, wherein the lacquer layer is applied in a band extending substantially parallel to the outer edge of the at least one wall; and wherein said band is between ½ inch and 2 inches wide.
 16. The combination as defined in claim 15, further comprising a layer of release agent applied to one of above and below the lacquer layer.
 17. The combination as defined in claim 16, wherein the layer of release agent is applied at discrete intervals at one of above and below the laquer layer.
 18. The combination as defined in claim 17, further comprising a plurality of security indicators applied to one of an outer surface the wall, above the lacquer layer and above the layer of release agent.
 19. The combination as defined in claim 18, wherein one of the lacquer layer and security indicators is colored. 